Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment designed to reduce allergic symptoms. They work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. This process helps the body build tolerance, leading to symptom relief and often a reduced need for allergy medications. For many individuals, a key question arises regarding the appropriate time to discontinue these treatments.
The Phases of Allergy Shot Treatment
Allergy shot treatment typically involves two distinct phases: the buildup phase and the maintenance phase. The buildup phase involves injections with gradually increasing amounts of allergens. This phase usually lasts between three to ten months, with shots administered one to three times per week. This phase allows the body to slowly adapt to allergens and develop tolerance without triggering severe reactions.
Once the highest tolerable and effective dose is reached, patients transition to the maintenance phase. During this phase, injections are given less frequently, typically every two to four weeks. The maintenance phase usually continues for three to five years, though some individuals with severe allergies may require a longer duration. This extended period helps solidify the immune system’s long-term tolerance.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Stopping
Deciding when to stop allergy shots involves assessing several indicators. A primary sign is sustained improvement in allergy symptoms. Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in symptoms within six to twelve months of reaching the maintenance dose, with the most significant improvement often occurring by the second year. This means a decrease in issues like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma symptoms.
Another indicator is a reduced or eliminated need for allergy medications. As tolerance builds, individuals often find they rely less on antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other allergy relief drugs. This highlights the treatment’s success in modifying the underlying allergic response. Consistent symptom control without medication for at least a year is a positive sign.
Stable or improved results on allergy skin tests or blood tests can also suggest readiness to stop. These tests measure reactivity to allergens. Over time, successful immunotherapy can decrease skin test reactions or specific IgE antibody levels, indicating decreased sensitivity. These objective measures provide evidence supporting clinical improvements.
What Happens After Stopping
After discontinuing allergy shots, many patients experience long-lasting relief from their allergy symptoms, often referred to as sustained remission. The benefits of immunotherapy can persist for several years, or even permanently, for a significant number of individuals. Research indicates that about 60% of people achieve permanent benefits after three to five years of treatment. The effectiveness and duration of this relief are often related to the length of treatment and the dose of allergens received.
It is also possible for allergy symptoms to return, a phenomenon known as relapse. The rate of relapse after stopping treatment can vary, with some studies reporting ranges from 0% to 55% of patients. Factors such as the initial severity of allergies, the type of allergen, and the consistency of treatment can influence the likelihood of relapse. If symptoms do return, resuming immunotherapy is often effective and may work more quickly the second time.
Important Considerations Before Making a Decision
The decision to stop allergy shots should always be made in close consultation with a board-certified allergist. This healthcare professional can evaluate the individual’s specific allergy profile, treatment history, and current symptom control. Factors such as the specific allergens being treated, the patient’s age, and overall health play a role in determining the optimal duration of therapy.
Stopping treatment prematurely carries potential risks, including the return of allergy symptoms. If immunotherapy is discontinued before the immune system has fully developed long-term tolerance, the benefits may not last. An allergist can help assess whether the patient has achieved the necessary level of desensitization to maintain improvement without ongoing injections. Discontinuing allergy shots is a collaborative decision between the patient and their healthcare provider, ensuring it is based on a thorough medical assessment.